Aurora set to finalize water rate surcharge amid drought conditions

The Aurora City Council is set to finalize an ordinance on Monday that would implement a surcharge to water rates due to drought conditions. The council said the surcharge will provide incentives for outdoor water use reductions and help fund reservoir recovery during and following a drought. 

The surcharge ordinance comes two weeks after the council passed a resolution regarding changes to the watering schedule. The new rules have Aurora Water customers decreasing their lawn water use by one day once this year's spring watering season begins. 

This is the next step after last fall's approval of a measure that prohibits cool-weather grasses on new golf courses and reduces how much grass can be planted around new homes and developments in the city. 

According to the EPA, 60% of household water usage in arid areas like Colorado goes toward lawns and gardens. 

Aurora aims to be a leader on the water conservation front, by dictating where and how thirsty grasses like Kentucky bluegrass can be used. 

The Aurora City Council approved Mayor Mike Coffman's plan to limit cool season turf. The city is prohibiting the high-water grass from being used in golf courses, and in other non-functional uses.